Leaking batteries

[Big_Ed]

So, with all the improvements made to batteries over the last century or so, why can't they make a battery that doesn't leak? I'm referring to alkaline batteries, mostly. I'm sure everyone is sick of opening up their flashlight, radio, remote control, or whatever to find that the batteries have leaked and possibly ruined whatever they were in. It led me to biting the bullet and putting expensive lithium batteries in some of my higher priced lights.

Anyone know why batteries still leak?

 

[Doug Owen]

I'd have to say it's in their nature to leak. Is that zen enough for you? They have corosive chemicals inside that are held in check somewhat when 'charged'.

I'm sure you could make a truly leakproof cell, but nobody'd pay the price. A far better 'solution' is the current guarantee by major makers in the (actually very rare) event of leakage.

Anyway, that's my 'read'.

Doug Owen

 

[Big_Ed]

Hmm...I've had a couple batteries leak in the past couple weeks. Luckily I caught them in time before it turned into that crusty white stuff. I still think that after all these years they'd be able to fix this problem without affecting the cost that much.
As for their guarantees, thats good, but if batteries leak in something that's pretty much irreplaceable, such as a flashlight that is no longer made, for example, what good is that? Would Energizer replace my Arc LS running off 2AA's if their batteries leaked and ruined it? I'd shudder to think what they'd consider an "equivalent" replacement. And what about custom made lights? What would they do then?

 

[jayflash]

The fact that most batteries (some VERY old) don't leak may be evidence they CAN be more leakproof. I'll venture a guess that production or process tolerances get a bit out of range on some cells.

 

[Sub_Umbra]

I've read that the side effects of ever higher capacity in today's cells is thinner (and more numerous) layers on the inside and probably a thinner outer skin as well to make more room on the inside. A combination of trying to squeeze in that last mAh AND do it more cheaply than the competition.

I have no idea if this is the reason but it fits my reality-map nicely.

I've read some posts about like-new cells from the 50s turning up now and again -- but as a little kid back then I can only remember two types of cells: dead and soon to be dead. I don't even remember what I did with flashlights. I just remember them going dead. I'd have been in hog Heaven at six years old with a CMG Infinity with a green led and one of todays alkalines.

I've also noticed a slight 'form-factor shift'. AAA Ultra Duracells seem to be ever-so-slightly more squared off at the radious on the ends (perhaps for slightly greater volume?)

 

[davidefromitaly]

i have try many type of batts...

energizer AA alkaline leaked

duracell AA alkaline leaked

maxell AA alkaline still not

sony AA alkaline still not

toshiba AAA zinc leacked

maxell AAA alkaline still not

panasonic AA, C and AAA alkaline still not

other i don't remember...

 

[Lynx_Arc]

I notice one thing about leaking cells... the cheaper ones tend to leak more when disharged a lot, IE nearly dead or dead. Others I don't know, I pulled an eveready out of my VOM the other day that had leaked and after I sanded the corrosion off and tested it, it was still nearly full, in fact I am draining the rest of it in a nightlight.

 

[jayflash]

I concur with Sub in that active materials have replaced thicker shells and seals. Batteries of the 1950's are the reason I'm also a cell-o-holic. I horde cells now when they're on sale because as a child most batteries didn't last long. And as Sub said, quite appropriately, their usual two states were dead or dying.

 

[kitelights]

[ QUOTE ]
Big_Ed said:
As for their guarantees, thats good, but if batteries leak in something that's pretty much irreplaceable, such as a flashlight that is no longer made, for example, what good is that? Would Energizer replace my Arc LS running off 2AA's if their batteries leaked and ruined it? I'd shudder to think what they'd consider an "equivalent" replacement. And what about custom made lights? What would they do then?

[/ QUOTE ]

Email them with the problem and send the item back to them with proof of purchase (cost). Don't forget to ask for reimbursement for shipping and the defective cells that you bought.

I had a camera ruined that was quite old and there was no replacement for it. I found new cameras that had the same features and sent them the info quoting a replacement range which was about twice the original cost. They sent a check for the high end plus postage and coupons for replacement cells.

My guess is the only "repairs" that they do is to lightly corroded terminals that are easily accessable and that replacements would be limited to el cheapo "standard" flashlights.

Probably only a very small percentage of users actually return items damaged by cells to take advantage of the warranty. I've used it 3-4 times with no hassle.

 

[PeLu]

BTW, I just had an Eternacell (probably) LiSO2 D cell leaking. And it has a smell worse than a rotten rat.
If people are interested, I could make a photo and post it (but not this year).

 

[STEVENT6]

Can rechargeable NIMH or NiCad leak? What about rechargeable alkalines?